Signal Boosters and Wireless Jammers Illegal in India

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has just issued a fresh public advisory on the use of signal boosters/repeaters and wireless jammers. The telecom department said that the use of wireless jammer or signal jammer, GPS blocker or other signal jamming devices is illegal in India except specifically permitted by the Government of India (GoI).

Only authorised organisations such as police forces, state or union territory governments

, and defence forces can procure signal jammer models which are approved by the central government. Private sector organisations and individuals can’t use signal jammers, and it is also illegal to advertise, sell or distribute such products in India.

Unlawful to Use Signal Boosters

Apart from signal jammers, the DoT advisory also focused on the use of signal boosters. Through signal boosters or repeaters, users can amplify the cell phone signal reception. But unauthorised use of such products results in disruption of public telecommunication services which jeopardises the quality and coverage of the networks.

It also poses a risk and disruption to crucial calls made by the public to organisations such as the police force or hospitals. Thus, DoT has conveyed that it is unlawful for individuals and organisations to possess signal boosters. Only licensed telecom service providers (TSPs) can make use of such products in the country. Additionally, it is unlawful to sell and distribute signal boosters as well.

All of these are punishable offences by the court. In case you have any information with respect to unlawful possession/use/sale of the above devices, kindly inform the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO), Department of Telecommunications, for necessary action in the matter. The contact number for WMO is 011-2905-4712, and the email ID is info.wmohq@gmail.com.

The applicable laws for this matter are –

The Indian Telegraphy Act, 1885 (Section 20 & others);

The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 (Section 6,6.1 & others);

The Information Technology Act, 2000;

Any other Security Guidelines/ provisions of the Government.